R. M. JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Olmsted, was born February 24, 1842, in Morgan County, Ky., son of John P. Johnson, a farmer by occupation, a native of Virginia, yet living in Olmsted. His father was Elijah Johnson, a native of Virginia. He died in Kentucky. The mother of our subject was Mary (Day) Johnson, born in Kentucky. She is yet living in Olmsted, being the mother of nine children — Richard M., our subject, John, Henry, Fannie, James and Alfred; Jefferson, Kelcy and George are deceased. Our subject received a common school education in Lewis County, Ky., where he spent his early life in tilling the soil and steamboating, about six falls and winters, on the Ohio River. In 1864, he came to Pulaski County, where he has been engaged in various occupations, viz.: First, farmed one year, and then for the next five years engaged in the mercantile business, and then once more went to farming. He now owns about 200 acres of land in this county. He is a self-made man, such as we generally find among our more energetic, wideawake farmers. He was joined in matrimony December 29, 1868, in Caledonia, to Miss Isora L. Trahern, born July 30, 1850, in Union County, Ill. She is a daughter of Morgan and Sarah B. (Gayne) Trahern, natives of Tennessee. Mrs. Isora L. Johnson is the mother of four children — Flora B., born August 13, 1870; Joseph S., born April 13, 1873; Richard and Marcus are deceased. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Johnson is a member of the A., F. & A. M. fraternity, Grand Chain Lodge, No. 660. He now fills the office of Constable and School Director. In politics he has been identified with the Republican party.
Extracted 02 Nov 2014 by Norma Hass from 1883 History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part V - Biographical Sketches, page 317.
| Union | Johnson | |
| Alexander |
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Massac McCracken KY |
| Ballard KY |
